Perforating device for music-rolls.



UNITED STATES P tTENT OFFICE.

HENRY PRICE BALL, OF NE\V YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO PERFORATING DEVICE FOR MUSIC-ROLLS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 12, 1905.

Application filed April ll 1908. Serial No. 152,281.

To all irimnz/ it nut concern.-

Be it known thatLHENRYPRIee B.\LL,a citizen of the United States, residing at New York city, county and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Perforating Devices for Music-Rolls, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to a machine for reproducing music-rolls, and comprises in its construction a device responsive to the perforations in a music-strip, a second device for duplicating in one or more strips of paper the perforations of the music-strip, and synchronizing mechanism between the original or master and the copies for perfecting in the copies any distortion of the spacing resulting from expansion or contraction of the master or variation in the feed thereof.

The present invention is designed to em ploy the ordinary commercial music-rolls, such as may be purchased in open market as the originals, from which copies may be made, thus avoiding the inconvenience and expense of preparing what are known as masterrolls.

In both the master and the commercial roll or copy thereof a definite proportion exists in the longitudinal spacing of the perforations unless through contraction or expansion the sheet becomes distorted. \Vhen using a commercial roll as a master in duplicating, if it be assumed that it is free of such distortion and advanced uniformly, also that the interval between successive actions of the duplicating-punches is the same as that of the punches employed in making the master, an absolutely perfect copy will be produced. If, however, as is usually found. the spacing of the perforations in the master-roll is disturbed by contraction or expansion of the paper and the registering of the perforations therein with the tracker-ducts does not coincide with the action of the duplicatingpunches the imperfections in the master will be repeated and exaggerated in the copy and new errors included therein by the duplicating-punches unless the feed of the master is varied, as required, to restore exact synchonism between the opening of the trackerducts and the action of the cooperating mechanisms.

The object of the present invention is therefore to mechanically duplicate in one or a number of copies the perforations of a commercial roll and at the same time automatically correctin such copies any imperfections in the ism, taken on the line s of Fig. l.

spacing of the perforations which may be present in the master as a result of contraction or expansion of the paper subsequently to its being perforated.

A further object of the invention is to shorten the eifective period of opening of the tracker-ducts by the perforations in the master, and thereby control the action of the responsive devices to prevent elongation of the perforations in the copy beyond the length of the perforations in the master.

The accompanying drawings will serve to illustrate such a device as may be employed to carry my invention into effect. I wish it understood, however, that I do not limit myself to the particular mechanism shown, as it will be obvious that many other mechanisms may be employed acting in substantially the same manner to produce the same result.

In the device which I have shown in the drawings the pneumatic mechanism employed is adapted to be operated by the pressure of the atmosphere, made effective through exhaust apparatus. .1 may, however, arrange the mechanism so that it may be operated by air under pressure or by both exhaust and compressed air.

It will be understood that the device has its pneumatic mechanism, with the exception of the bellows, repeated for each punch employed, also that there is a punch for each line of perforations in the master-roll.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a plan view of the machine assembled. Fig. 2 is a detail sectional view of the changeable-speed gearing, forming part of the synchronizing mechan- Fig. 3 is a front view, partly in section, of the same, together with the feed-roll and its clutch. Fig. 4 is a detail view of the clutch controlling the rewind of the master-roll. Fig. 5 illustrates portions of a music-roll in which the distortion from contraction and expansion and the resulting relation of the perforations to the normal spacing and the tracker-ducts are graphically indicated. Fig. 6 is a front view of the machine shown partly in section. Fig. 7 is a vertical longitudinal section taken on the line s s of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the pneumatics. Fig. 9 is a vertical longitudinal section taken on the line s s of Fig. (5. Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail view of the circuit-closer and its actuating device shown in Fig. 9. Fig. i1 is a view in perspective of the machine with the circuits represented in diagram. Fig. 12 is adetail view in perspective, showing the contactrings and connections of the rotary switch or circuit-controller forming part of the synchronizing mechanism; and Fig. 13 is a detail sectional view of an audible signal.

In the drawings, 1 indicates the frame of the machine. Between parallel sections 2 2 thereof there is mounted a'flanged roller or spool 3, carrying the perforated music-strip 4 which is to be duplicated, and which for clearness of description, I shall hereinafter term the master-roll. This roller or spool is so proportioned that the distance between the flanges or its effective length corresponds to the width of the music-sheet and is commercially sold with it. At one end a stud or nipple of the roller finds a bearing and turns freely in the socket of a block 5, spring-seated in the frame, and at the opposite end the roller is socketed to fit'over and turn loosely on the projecting end of a shaft 6, as best shown in Fig. 4. The manner of placing the master-roll in position or removing it will be obvious.

In the operation of the machine the masterroll is advanced continuously by the feed mechanism now to be described.

A shaft 7, mounted in the frame, provides a bearing for the feed-roller 8, over which the music-sheet runs as it is drawn from the spool 3 across the tracker-board 9. This roller, loosely mounted on the shaft, extends with it through the frame, Fig. 3, and has secured upon its end a bracket 10, which, being fixed, rotates with the roller. Aworm-wheel 11, fast on shaft 7, meshing with a worm 12, journaled in the feed-roller bracketlO, provides a driving connection between the shaft and the roller, and without motion in the worm-gearing it will be evident that all parts rotate at the speed of the shaft. This condition exists in the absence of distortion in the master-roll or when the perforations are properly spaced in that portion of the strip which is passing over the tracker -board. l/Vhile at such times the feed-roller as geared will be driven from and rotated normally at the speed of the shaft 7, it has cooperating therewith changeable-speed gearing, which is automatically controlled in a manner to be later on described, to vary the speed of the roller from that of the shaft, and thereby compensate for variations in the feed or in the spacing of the perforations as originally recorded-that is to say, if while thus driven the worm is caused to rotate the speed of the feed-roller will be either higher or lower than that of the shaft, depending upon the direction of rotation of the worm. If such rotation is toward the left as viewed in Fig. 3, the speed of the feed-roller will be increased over that of the shaft, and if in the opposite direction z' a, toward the rightthere will be a corresponding decrease in the speed below that of the shaft. The gearing for effecting such independent rotation of the worm will now be described.

Fast on the worm-shaft there is a spur-gear 13, meshing with a similar gear 14, carried by a second shaft 15, also journaled in the roller-bracket 10. A beveled pinion 16, fast on the opposite end of shaft 15, meshes with oppositely-disposed beveled gears 17 and 18', which are loosely mounted, one on the extension of the feed-roller and the other on the shaft 7 Each of the gears 17 and 18 is provided peripherally with a friction-surface and a cooperating friction band-brake 19, whose ends are secured in the usual manner to an L-shaped lever 20, pivoted at 21 and operatively connected to the movable core of a solenoid 22. The brake-actuating solenoid 22 I shall hereinafter term the high-speed controller and 22* the low-speed controller.

In order that the conditions under which the changeable-speed gearing comes into action to vary the feed may be clearly understood, I will first refer, before describing the operation thereof, to the comparative illustration of portions of music-rolls shown in Fig. 5. As indicated therein, a represents a portion of the copy-blank in which perforations have been formed, and Z) the corresponding portion of the master-roll, distorted by expansion and shown at c as automatically adjusted so that the registering of the perforations therein with the tracker-ducts will coincide with the action of the punches indicated by the dotted lines d d d. The lines d (Z (Z indicate certain periods in the travel of the sheet, when the punching mechanism is in position to respond instantly and reproduce in the copies the perforations of the master and the dotted circles e e e successive actions of the'mechanism during the intervening intervals. The openings or ducts of the trackerboard are shown in connection with the perfoflations in the portions 6 and 0 of the masterro If the master-sheet is mechanically perfect, the centering of the perforations thereof over the tracker-ducts coincides with the cutting stroke of the punches. Under these conditions the speed-controlling solenoids, which are normally deenergized, will continue inactive, the gears 17 and 18 will run free in the brake-bands, and the entire gearing will rotate in the direction and at the speed of the shaft 7. If, on the other hand, the perforations in the master-roll fail to center at the instant the punches are in position to act, as indicated in the portion 6 of the sheet, it is essential in order to avoid duplicating such distortion or error in the copies that the feed of the master be either increased or decreased until exact synchronism is restored. Assuming, now, that through expansion the sheet is lengthened and there is delayed action in the perforations centering over the tracker-board, as indicated at b, a slight increase in the speed ICC at which the sheet is advanced will obviously produce a synchronizing effect, and thereby compensate for such distortion of the sheet. Such a variation in the feed would result by applying the brake to check the speed of the bevel-gear 17. Assuming this done, it will be seen that the bevelpinion 16 while being carried around in the bracket at the speed of the shaft 7 will also rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 3, and this motion transmitted through the gears 13 14 will cause the worm to rotate and climb the pinion on the shaft 7, thereby increasing the speed of the feed-roller over that of the shaft. Applying the brake to the opposite gear 18 will manifestly produce the reverse rotation of the worm and a corresponding reduction in the speed of the feed-roller as compared to its driving-shaft, as might be required, for example, when a contracted portion of the roll is passing over the tracker-board and the registering of the perforations with the tracker-ducts occurs prematurely or in advance of the cutting stroke of the punches.

Clutches 23 and 2%.such, for example, as shown in Figs. 3 and l are employed in connection with the feed-roller and the spool of the master-roll. The clutch 23, which is normally thrown in by the spring 23", serves to connect shaft 7 with the power, and thereby rotate the feed-roller to drawthe music-sheet off the spool 3, as in the ordinary operation of the machine, while the clutch 2i, which is normally thrown out by the spring 24, serves when shifted to connect the spool 3 with the power for rewinding the sheet.

As mounted, the master-roll will be fed forward over the tracker-board continuously at a uniform rate of speed. The gearing for thus advancing the sheet is shown in Figs. 6 and T and consists of a spur-gear 25, fast on the main or power shaft of the machine, which is continuouslydriven, the pinion 26 and bevelgear 27 on the shaft 28, the intermeshing liievel-gear 29 on the worm-shaft 30, and the worm-gearing 31, between this shaft and the feed-roller. This being in the nature of a reducing-gear, it will be seen that the speed of rotation of the feed-roller will be considerably lower than that of the power-shaft, and when, therefore, the clutches are reversed to disconnect the feed-roll and connect the spool of the master-roll direct with the main shaft the rewind will be effected at an increased speed, or the speed of the last-named shaft. A take-up roller 32 is mounted directly beneath the feed-roller in bearings 33 33, which are movable in guides, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. These bearings are spring-supported to maintain the roller in close contact with the feed-roller, from which it is frictionally driven, and also at the same time yield, as required, to allow for the varying diameter of the roller as the music-sheet is being wound or unwound.

The pneumatic mechanism now to be described is responsive to the perforations of the music-strip and serves to control the action of the punches. The tracker-board forming part of this mechanism is provided with a double series of openings or ducts, there being two ducts 3% 3 k for each line of perforations in the music-sheet, the arrangement being such that there is no action or response from the pneumaties until a. perforation in the music-sheet registers with both tracker-ducts, as indicated atf, Fig. 5. Vhile the use,therefore, of a double series of trackerd ucts instead of a single series lengthens the actual time the tracker-ducts remain open during the passing of a perforation, the effective period of opening is materially shortened, as will be apparent, and in consequence greater accuracy is insured in the spacing, and elongation of the perforations in the copy over those of the master is avoided.

Separate passages 35 35 lead from each of the tracker-ducts to chambers beneath the diaphragms 36 36 of a pair of pneumaties 37 37, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. Each of these pneumaties consists of a vertically-movable stem 38, secured to or supported at its lower end on the diaphragm 36 and carrying a disk valve 39, which serves normally[. (1., when the tracker-ducts are closed-- to close the port lO in the passage leading from the chamber 41 to the p0wer-pneumatic 42. An exhaustpressure is maintained in this chamber above the diaphragn'is by means of the power-bellows 43,'Fig. 6, the pressure being regulated and controlled by the pressure-limiting bellows 4A in a manner well known in the art. From the exhaust-chamber 41 a series of airpassages 45 lead to the power-pneumaties 42, there being one of such passages for each pair of ducts in the tracker-board. Communication between each passage and the exhaustchamber 41 is by way of the ports &0, controlled by the pneumaties 37 57. It will be observed that both valves or pneumaties must be lifted to establish communication between the exhaust-chamber and the particular passage in which they are located.

The operation of the pneumaties is as follows: \Vhen a perforation registers with a pair of tracker-ducts, as at f in Fig. 5, air at atmospheric pressure enters the chambers beneath the diaphragms of the pneumaties and lifts the latter, opening the ports 40 40 and establishing communication between the exhaust and the power-pneumatic. Under the action of the exhaust the power-pneumatic collapses, and by means of suitable connections this movement is utilized to adjust a stop controlling the action of a punch and also to close a circuit which includes the high and the low speed controllers of the changeable-speed gearing, as will be later on described.

The paper for the copies or copy-blanl s,

ITO

supported in any suitable manner, passes between a pair of guide-rollers 16 16 and thence through a slot in the die-plate 47 to the feedrollers 18 49. The copy-blank is advanced step by step a definite distance by intermittent gearing consisting of a worm-wheel 50, fast on the feed-roller shaft, and a worm 51 on the shaft 52. The thread on the worm is perpendicular to its axis for the greater portion of its circumference, Fig. 9, and in rotating imparts an intermittent motion to the feed-roller, which in turn advances the paper step by step a definite distance, or one-twentieth of an inch for each revolution of the shaft 28, carrying the punch-actuating eccentrics, from which the worm-shaft is driven by means of the bevel-gears 52 28.

I will now describe the punching mechanism, by which the perforations of the master are duplicated in one or more copies.

Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, the punches 54 54, &c., are shown loosely mounted in a fixed bar or frame 55, extending transversely above the paper. Below the punches the die-plate 17 is movably mounted in guides depending from this frame and is formed with a series of openings with which the punches cooperate, there being one of such openings alined with each punch. The lower or cutting edge of each punch rests normally in one of these openings in the die-plate in contact with the paper, which, as above stated, passes through a slot therein, and thus supported the punch is adapted to move up and down with the dieplate as the latter is reciprocated by means of the eccentrics 56 56. The eccentric-shaft being continuously driven at a constant speed imparts a regular reciprocating motion to the die-plate, and in consequence, as will be seen, the punch is in position to act on each upstroke of the die-platethat is to say, periodically-at regular intervals. The punch is caused to perforate the paper by being checked in its upward movement, while the movement of the die-plate continues under the action of the eccentrics and forces the paper against the punch, the latter being thereby caused to cut its way through and form the perforation. To thus check the upward movement of the punch, an adjustable stopbar 58 is employed, the position of which is controlled by power-pneumatic 42, connected therewith by means of rod 59. The stop-bar is movably mounted in the frame directly above the punch and is cut away about centrally of its length to form a recess, which normally centers over the punch, permitting a free up-and-down movement thereof. The upper end of the punch is formed with an enlarged head, which when the punch is in its lowermost position enters and seats in a socket or groove of the frame clear of the stop-bar, which latter at such times is free to be adjusted by the action of the power-pneumatic. The headed end of the punch in seating in the socket of the frame checks its movement, while the die-plate continues downward, and thereby withdraws the punch from the paper after the perforation is cut therein, permitting the feed to act and advance the paper step by step, as above described.

Having now described the devices responsive to the perforations in the music strip or master and the second device, by which such perforations are duplicated in one or more copies, it only remains for me to describe the controlling device of the synchronizing mechanism, by which the. feed of the master is regulated to cause the perforations thereof to register with the tracker-ducts at the instant the punches are in position to act. This device comprises a circuit-closer, a circuitcontroller, and a switch cooperating with each of the speed-controlling solenoids of the changeable-speed gearing. The circuit-closer,

Figs. 9, 10, 11, consists of two contact members 6O 61. The member 60, in the form of a post, is fixed on the punch-frame, and the second member or bell crank lever 61 is mounted fast on a shaft 62, extending transversely above the stop-bars and journaled in uprights of the punch-frame. These members are normally separated, being thus held by a spring 63, which tends to force the contact-arm upward clear of the post and against a stop-pin 64:, by which its upward movement is limited. 1 preferably employ two sets of contact-arms and connect the members 61 thereof by means of the rod or bar 61. Each of the stop-bars is operatively connected with this rod by having a gravity dog or pawl 65 pivoted thereon, with its book end engaging the rod.

The operation of the circuit-closer will be readily understood. When one or a number of note perforations of the master register with the tracker-ducts, the power-pneumatics connected therewith collapse and the corresponding stop-bars are thereby adjusted toward the right as viewed in Figs. 9 and 10, causing the dogs of the stop-bars thus adjusted to swing the members 61 61 into contact with the posts and close the circuit. After the punches have acted to form the proper perforations and in order that the circuitcloser may be in position to act on the next cutting stroke of the punches the circuit is made and broken during the movement of the stop-bar as it is adjusted toward the right by e the collapse of the power-pneumatic. The breaking of the circuit is effected by disengaging the dogs from rod 61, connecting the contact members 61 61, and the latter being free the springs act to return them to their normal position7l. a, with the contact members separated. This disengagement occurs either at the instant or just before the stop bar or bars reach their limit of adjustment and is effected by providing each dog with a lug 66 so relatively disposed as to engage and other segments will be much longer.

ride up an inclined shoulder 67 of the punchframe, thereby elevating the hook end of the dog above the rod and releasing the members 61 of the circuit-closer.

The circuit-controller, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, is designed to direct the current to energize one or the other of the speed-controlling solenoids to vary the speed of the mas ter, as may be required, or to cut out a solenoid after it is energized, and for this purpose it comprises three segments 68 69 70 and three rings 68 69 70*, the segment 68 being connected with the ring 68*, segment 69 with ring 69*, and segment 70 with ring 70, as shown in Fig. 12. There are also contactbrushes 68", 69", and '70", one for each of the rings, and a similar brush 71 for the three segments, which latter are relatively assembled in ring form, but not in contact. The rings and segments are electrically insulated and mounted on a drum fast on the eccentricshaft 28, which is driven from the main shaft by the spur-gear and pinion 25 26, above described.

As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, two of the segments of the ring 70 are substantially the same size, while the third is very much smaller, and in consequence during rotation the period of contact between the small segment and the brush will be momentary, while the period of contact between the brush and either of the The relation of the small segment to the eccentrics is such that it will come in contact with the brush 71 at the instant the eccentrics swing over the center at or near the lowest point of their throw, and if, as will appear later on, the spacing of the perforations in the master and the feed thereof are normal the passing perforations will at such times register with the tracker-ducts and the powerpneumatics will act to adjust the stopbars and operate the circuit-closer; but, as will be more fully explained, there will be no action on the part of the speed-controlling solenoids and in consequence no variation in the feed of the master, as the mechanisms would then be operating in exact synchronism.

From the foregoing, it willbe seen that if the registering of the perforations with the tracker-ducts does not coincide with the action of the punches, but occurs either before or after the small segment has made contact with its brush, an immediate response from the punch will be impossible, as it is actuated by the eccentrics periodically and the intervals between its actions are definite and uniform. In order to restore normal conditions, it would obviously be necessary to vary the feed of the master, and the changeable-speed gearing for doing this is controlled by mechanism now to be described, which, as will be seen, is brought into action whenever either of the larger segments makes contact with the brush at the instant a perforation registers with a tracker-duct.

As shown in Fig. 11, a generator or other source of electricity T2 is connected, through a wire. '73, with the post 60 of one of the circuit-closers. A complete metallic connection is provided for the passage of current from this post to the post of the second circuitcloser through the contact-arms (51 and the shaft 62. upon which they are mounted, the shaft being suitably insulated to prevent a ground or short circuiting through the machine. From the second post a wire T-L leads to the brush 71 of the sectional ring. In the connections between the controller and generator two automatic switches 75 76 are arranged, one of these switches 75 cooperating with the high-speed controller, or solenoid 22, which acts to increase the feed of the master, and the other,76, with the low-speed controller, or the solenoid 22, by which the feed is reduced. The switches are identical in construction and operation and are described in detail in United States Patent No. 708,006, granted to me September 2, 1902. They consist, respectively, as shown, of two solenoids 7T '78, separated a suitable distance and arranged one above the other. A core 79, common to both solenoids, has secured aboutcentrally of its length a block of insulating material 80, carrying a switch-blade 81, whose ends 82 project from opposite sides thereof. \Vhen the upper solenoid is energized, the switch-blade is carried upward with the core into engagement with the spring-clip contacts 83 84 and is frictionally held thereby to bridge the space between the clips for the passage of current. A wire 85, leading from the brush 68" of the ring connected with the small segment, is branched and connected to the coil of each of the lower solenoids T8, and from the opposite ends of these coils wires 91 91 lead to the clips 83 and thence to the speedcontrolling solenoids 22 22, which are connected, as indicated at 93, with the wire 73 from the generator to the circuitcloser. The upper switch-solenoids are connected in circuit with the generator and the speed-controlling solenoids in the following manner: \Vires ST 87 from the brushes of the rings 69 T0 connect directly with the coils of the upper switchsolenoids 77. The opposite end of each coil is connected to a contact-piece in the form of a spring-clip 88, with which a gravity or spring actuated switch-arm 89 normally engages. These switch-arms are pivoted in the clips Si and serve to complete the circuit from the coil of the solenoid to the generator through the wire 90.

Let it now be assumed that the registering of the perforations of the master with the tracker-ducts does not coincide with the action of the punches and that an increase in the speed at which the master is being advanced is necessary to restore exact synchronism. Under these conditions a power-pneumatic in responding would be prevented from per forming its intended function of adjusting the stop-bar, as the headed end of the punch would be projected into the recess thereof and tend to lock the same and prevent its full movement toward the right. There would be a partial adjustment of the stop-bar, however, as shown at 12, Fig. 11, the relative proportions of the recess and punch-head beingsuch as to allow for a movement of the bar sufficent' to vibrate the contact-arms 61 and close the circuit. If now it is borne in mind that contact between the small segment 68 and brush 71 occur simultaneously with the operation of the circuit-closer only under normal conditions, it follows, therefore, that under the conditions stated when the circuit is closed as described one of the larger segments would be in contact with the brush 71, also that as an increase in speed is required the high-speed controller must be energized, and as it is thrown in circuit by the switch 75 the circuit would be completed through the brush 7 0", ring 7 0, and segment 7 0. Consequently this segmentwould at such time be in contact with the brush 71, and current from the generator would flow by way of wire 73 through the circuit-closers and wire 74 to the brush 71, thence to segment 70, ring and by brush 70 and wire 87 to the upper solenoid of switch 75, the return being through clip 88, switch-arm 89, clip 84, and wire 90 back to the generator. Thus far the speed-controller or brake-actuating solen oid 22 has not been energized nor included in circuit; but the How of current has served to energize the upper solenoid 77 of the switch 75, and as the core is drawn upward the projecting ends 82 of the switch-blade are forced into the spring-clips 88 84 and held thereby, and a projection 89 on the core strikes and disengages the switch-arm 89 from the clip 88. This results in cutting out the solenoid 77, also the circuit-controller and circuit-closers and completes a new circuit from the generator through the wires 73 93 to the speed-controlling solenoid 22 and back to the generator by way of wire 91, clip 83, switch 81, clip 84, and wire 90. Being thus energized, the speed-controlling solenoid 22 draws in its core, and thereby through the lever 20 tightens the frictionband brake around the gear 17, which, as above described, results in increasing the speed of rotation of the feed-roller over that of the driving-shaft 7, and consequently accelerates the feed of themaster. This action continues until exact synchronism is restored, and assuming this condition to be present it will be seen that as the circuit is again closed through the small segment 68 the lower solenoid 78 of the switch will be energized, and in drawing the core down will cut out i the high-speed controller.

As the switcharm 89 again bridges the space between the clips 84: 88 normal conditions will be restored. The operation of the low-speed controller being identical, a detailed description is not deemed necessary in view of the foregoing.

For the guidance of the performer in reproducing a musical composition on a mechanical player it is now customary to indicate on commercial rolls by a sinusoidal line changes in tempo, such a line being plotted or determined by a skilled performer as the music-sheet passes through a player. In observing the changes indicated the performer is required to adjust a lever or other controlling device which involves considerable attention and effort on his part. I find that the same effect may be obtained automatically in the copies produced by the mechanism above described by using a commercial roll containing such tempo-marking asa master and varying the feed of the master manually in accordance with the tempo changes as represented by the sinusoidal line thereon and through the responsive action of the synchronizing mechanism producing such changes in the copies. Upon reproducing the musical composition with one of these copies in a mechanical player the desired tempo variations will occur without action on the part of the performer.

It will be understood that I do not wish to limit myself to the exact construction and arrangement of mechanism herein shown and described, as various changes might be made without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention. For example, I might dispense with the automatic mechanism employed in connection with the changeable-speed gearing and control the latter manually by employing an audible signal, such as is shown in Fig. 13, to sound at the instant the punches are in position to act 01' at every second, third, or fifth reciprocation of the punches, as a guide to an attendant, who by applying pressure with the fingers to the friction-surface of the bevel-gears 17 and 18 could readily and effectively vary and control the feed of the master. Again, I may employ the changeable-speed gearing and its controlling devices in connection with other apparatus, or with modifications of the present apparatus, or I may modify this gearing; but all such changes I consider obvious and immaterial variations of form and not of substance and still within the meaning of the present invention.

Having therefore described my invention, I claim 1. In a machine for duplicating music-rolls, the combination of a music-sheet, devices responsive to the perforations therein, a series of unperforated sheets, mechanism cooperating with said sheets to reproduce in said sheets, the perforations of the master, and

automatic means for correlating the action of the responsive devices and the reproducing mechanism 2. In a machine for duplicating 1m1sic-rolls, the combination of a master-sheet, devices responsive to the perforations therein, a series of unperforated sheets, punching mechanism coiiiperating with said sheets to reproduce in said sheets and space in definite proportion, the perforations of the master, and automatic means for correlating the action of the responsive devices and the reproducing mechanism.

3. In a machine for duplicating music-rolls, the combination of a continuously-advanced master and its responsive devices, punching mechanism capable of acting periodically for reproducing the perforations of the master in the copies, and means for vaigving the feed of the master to correlate the action of the responsive devices and the punching mechanism.

a. In a machine for duplicating music-rolls, the combination of the master and its responsive devices, continuously-acting feed mechanism for advancing the master, changeablespeed gearing co ")perating to vary the feed, puliching mechanism for reproducing the perforations of the master in the copies, and means controlling the changeable-speed gearing to vary the feed as required for correlating the action of the responsive devices and the punching mechanism.

5. In a machine for duplicating music-rolls, l the combination of themaster and its responsive devices, continuously-acting feed mechanism for advancing the master, changeablespeed gearing cooperating to vary the feed, punching mechanism for re 'n'oducing the perforations of the master and spacing the same in definite proportion in the copies, and means for electrically controlling the changeable speed gearing to correlate the action of the responsive devices and the punching mechanism.

6. In a machine for duplicating music-rolls, the combination of themasterand its responsive devices,said devices comprising a trackerboard having two series of tracker-ducts registering in pairs With each perforation of the master, a pneumatic cooperating with each tracker-duct, and a series of po\ver-pneu matics communicating individually through separate passages with an exhaust-pressure chamber, each passage being controlled by a pair of said pneumatics, together with a series of punches for reproducing the perforations of the master in the copies, and means operated by each power-pneumatic for controlling the action of one of the punches.

7. In a machine for duplicating music-rolls, the combination of the master and its responsive devices, feed mechanism for advancing the master, changez'ihle-speed gearing for varying the feed, a series of punches cooperi ating with said responsive devices for repro- I ducing the perforations of the master in a copy-blank, means for continuously rcc1proeating the punches, and synchronizing mechl anism controlling the changeable-speed gearing for correlating the action of the responsive devices and the reciprocation of the punches.

8. In a machine for duplicating music-rolls, the combination of the master and its responsive devices, feed mechanism forcontinuously advancing the master, a series of punches cooperating to reproduce the perforations of the master in a copy-blank, feed mechanism for advancing the copy-blank a definite distance step by step, and means controlled by the master for synchronizing the action of the responsive devices and the intermittent feed of the copy-blank.

9. In a machine for duplicating music-rolls, the combination of the master and its responsive devices, feed mechanism for advancing the master, high and low speed controllers cooperating to vary the feed, punching mechanism for reproducing the perforations of the master, and synchronizing mechanism comprising means for closing an electric circuit on each action of the responsive devices of the master and means for directing the current to energize or cut out either the high or,

the low speed controller, to correlate the action of the responsive devices and the punching mechanism.

10. In a machine for duplicating musicrolls, the combination of the master and its responsive devices, feed mechanism for advancing the master, changeable-speed gearing cooperating to vary the feed, punching mechanism for reproducing the perforations of the master, and svnchronizing mechanism comprising a source of electricity, at circuit-closer actuated by said responsive devices, a circuitcontroller, high and low speed controllers cooperating with the changeable-speed gearing and switches operated by the circuit-controller for cutting the speed-controllers in and out of circuit, to correlate the action of the responsive devices and the punching mechanism.

11. A machine comprising a perforating mechanism, a controlled master-sheet device responsive to the movements of said sheet, and means for automatically bringing the movements of the master-sheet and the movements of the perforating mechanism into synchronism.

12. A.1nacl1ine comprising a perforating mechanism, and controlling master sheet therefor with the perforations therein in distorted relation to each other; and automatic means for correcting in the copies made by the perforating mechanism the distortions in the master-shcet.

13. A machine comprising a perforating mechanism, a ctmtrolling mastersheet having perforations therein differing from those de- IIO sired to be reproduced in copies, devices responsive to said perforations, a series of unperforated music-sheets, mechanism for perforating said sheets, and means interposed between said responsive means and perforating mechanism for automatically controlling the action of the perforating mechanism.

14. A machine comprising a perforating mechanism, a controlling master-sheet having perforations therein differing from those desired to be reproduced in copies, devices responsive to said perforations, a series of unperforated music-sheets, mechanism for perforating said sheets, and means interposed between said responsive means and perforating mechanism for automatically controlling the time intervals between the action of the perforating mechanism.

15. A controlling master-sheet with perforations therein having the distance between the perforations multiples of various elements of length, and changeable-speed gearing for varying the relative movements of the mastersheet with respect to the movements of the perforating mechanism for producing perforations in the copies, the distances between which are multiples of one fixed element of length.

16. A machine comprising a perforating mechanism, and acontrolling-master with perforations therein, thelongitudinal distance be tween them being longer or shorter than the distance the paper is fed in one complete perforating movement of the mechanism; and changeable-speed gearing for changing the relative speed of the controlling master-sheetv and the paper as it passes through the perforating mechanism, thereby producing in the copies perforations the distance between which is a multiple of the distance the paper is fed through the perforating mechanism in one operation.

. 17. A machine comprising a perforating mechanism, a controlling master-sheet therefor, the perforations therein having a variable length between the successive perforations therein, and means controlled by the mastersheet for changing the relative speed of the master-sheet to the perforating mechanism in proportion to said variations.

18. A machine comprising a perforating mechanism, a distorted master-sheet therefor, and means for changing the relative speed of the master-sheet to that of the perforating mechanism in proportion to the distortions in the master-sheet.

19. A machine comprising a perforating mechanism and a controlling perforated master-sheet therefor,a driving mechanism for the master-sheet, a responsive device to the perforations in the master-sheet, a driving mechanism for sheets to be perforated, and variable-speed gearing controlled by the mastersheet for changing the relative speed of the said driving mechanism.

20. A machine comprising a perforating mechanism and a controlling perforated mastersheet therefor,a driving mechanism for the master-sheet, a responsive device to the perforations in the master-sheet, a driving mechanism for sheets to be perforated, and automatic means for changing the relative speed of the said driving mechanism.

21. A machine comprising a perforating mechanism, a controlling perforated mastersheet therefor, a driving mechanism for the master-sheet, a responsive device to the per-v forations in the master-sheet, a driving mechanism for sheets to be perforated, and automatic means controlled by the master-sheet for changing the relative speed of the driving mechanism.

22. A machine comprising a perforating mechanism, a controlling perforated mastersheet therefor, a driving mechanism for the master-sheet, a responsive device to the perforations in the master-sheet, a driving mechanism for sheets to be perforated, and a variable-speed device for changing the relative speed of the said driving mechanism at different places along the sheet.

23. A machine comprising a perforating mechanism, a controlling perforated mastersheet therefor, a driving mechanism for the master-sheet, a responsive device to the perforations in the master-sheet, a driving mechanism for sheets to be perforated, and a variable-speed device for changing the relative speed of the driving mechanism at various times during the feeding of the sheet.

2%. A machine comprising a perforating mechanism, a controlling means for said mechanism whose movements are not timed to the movements of the mechanism, and means for automatically bringing the controlling means and the perforating mechanism into synchronism with each other.

25. A machine comprising a perforating mechanism, a controlling perforated mastersheet therefor, and means for changing the speed of the master-sheet with respect to the perforating mechanism while the sheet is in motion.

26. A machine comprising a perforating mechanism, a controlling perforated mastersheet therefor, and automatic means for varying the speed of the master-sheet.

27. A machine comprising a perforating mechanism, a controlling master-sheet therefor, and avariable-speed driver for said master-sheet.

28. A machine comprising a perforating mechanism, a controlling master-sheet therefor, a driving mechanism, and an automatic speed-changing device for said sheet.

29. A machine comprising a series of punches, a series of means throwing certain of said punches into and out of action, a controlling means for said action of the punches in time with its movements to the same, and

means for automatieatly bringing the movements of the controlling means and the perforating mechanism into synchronism with each other.

30. A machine comprising a series of punches, a controlling perforated mastersheet, a series of means throwing certain of the punches into and out of action responsive to the perforations in the master-sheet, the movements of the master-sheet not being timed to the movements of the punches, and means for automatically bringing theminto synchronism with each other.

31. A machine comprising a series of punches, a pneumatic means throwing certain of said punches into and out of action, the said pneumatic means not being timed in its action to the movement of the punches, and means for automatically bringing them into synchronism with each other.

32. A machine comprising a series of punches, a series of controllers for throwing certain of the punches into and out of action, a perforated master-sheet to the perforations of which the controllers respond, and automatic means for changing the speed of the master-sheet during its travel.

33. A machine comprising a series of punches, a series of controllers for throwing certain of the punches into and out of action, a perforated master-sheet to the perforations of which the controllers respond, and automatic means for varying the speed of the master-sheet.

34. A machine comprising a series of punches, a series of controllers for throwing certain of the punches into and out of action, a perforated mastersheet to the perforations of which the controllers respond, and a variable-speed driver for said master-sheet.

35. A machine comprising a series of punches, a series of controllers for throwing certain of the punches into and out of action, a perforated master-sheet to the perforations of which the controllers respond, and an automatic speed-changing device.

36. A machine comprising a perforated master-sheet, a tracker-board having two trackerducts opened by each perforation therein, a pair of pneumatic valves in series relation connected to the tracker-ducts, a series of powerpneumatics controlled by the pneumatic valves, a series of punches thrown into action by the power-pneumatics, and means for automatically bringing the movements of the perforations in the master-sheet from the tracker ducts into synchronism with the movements of the punches.

37. A machine comprising a perforated master-sheet, a tracker-board having two trackerducts opened by each perforation therein, a

pair of pneumatic valves in series relation connected to the tracker-ducts, a series of power-pneumatics controlled by the pneumatic valves, a series of punches thrown into action by the power-pneumatics, and means for automatically changing the speed of the master-sheet during its travel.

38. A machine comprising a perforated master-sheet, a traclu-ir-board having two trackerduets opened by each perforation therein, a pair of pneumatic valves in series relation connected to the tracker-ducts, a series of punches thrown into action by the powerpneumatics, and means for automatically changing the speed of the master-roll.

39. A machine comprising a perforated master-sheet, a tracker-board having two trackerducts opened by each perforation therein, a pair of pneumatic valves in series relation connected to the tracker-ducts, a series of punches thrown into action by the powerpneumatics, and a variable-speed driver for said master-sheet.

40. A machine comprisinga perforated mastersheet, a tracker-board having two trackerducts opened by each perforation therein, a pair of pneumatic valves in series relation connected to the tracker-duets, a series of punches thrown into action by the power pneumatics, and an automatic speed-changing device.

41. A machine com prising a perforated mastersheet, a tracker-board having two ducts therein for each line of possible perforations in the sheet, a pair of pneumatic valves connected to the pairs of tracker-ducts, a series of power-pneumatics controlled by said valves, a driver for the master-sheet, a perforating mechanism thrown into action by the powerpneumatics, and means in said driver whereby the perforations in the mastersheet opens its pairs of tracker-ducts at such time as the punches can respond thereto.

42. A machine comprising a perforated mastersheet, a tracker-board having two ducts therein for each line of possible perforations in the sheet, a pair of pneumatic valves connected to the pairs of trackerducts, a series of power-pneumatics controlled by said valves, a driver for the master-sheet, a perforating mechanism thrown into action by the powerpneumatics, and means in said driver whereby the perforations in the master-sheet opens its pairs of tracker-duets in synchronism with the movements of the perforating mechanism.

Intestimony whereof I aliix my signature in the presence of two Witnesses.

HENRY PRICE BALL. \Vitnesses:

U. H. VoM BAUR, J. H. Roenns. 

